Electric switch



Feb. 8., 1949. H. C, Bo| -EY 2,461,028l

ELECTRIC SWITCH Original Filed May 5, 1941 G. 29E/wwf! C. Eo/ZfjffvINvENTOR.

Patented Feb. 8, 1:949

oil-#FICE EET'RIC lllerschel C. Belley., lawson, Mich., assigner to H. AJJo'IIgJas 1Go.,l Bronson, Mich., acer poration of Altiichigim Ccntr'mationV of Aapplication ,Serial '391306, Ma'y 5, 1941. 'This lapplication 'June 15, 1946.

YS lea-TNO. $76,382

259 Claims.v (Cl. 20D-163) .This invention relates :generally to electrical switches and `:incre particularly 'to do with an electric switch ofthe s-o called reciprocatoryilpe adapted to be mounted on an automotive vehicle.

This application .is ga continuation of my copending application Serial` No.. .391,906-led 5, 1941, now forfeited.

One particular object of the :invention fis to provide a yswitch having improved stationaryfcontact means and improved ymor/'able bridge means which are cooperable in :a `uniquemanruer whereffcy to control anelectric-circuit.

More specifically `an-Iobject to provide :stationary contact means, .of whichpart thereof :is in the form of a contact :plate which is connected to the switch casing .in a manner whereby when the switch :casing is secured totheyehicle, Vthe plate is grounded thereto tof/establish one side of an electrical circuit.

Also, an object is to provide a contact plate of the character just referred to which -serves `to reenforce the switch casing.

Another object of the inventionsis :to provide improved means for supporting or mounting fthe, means which carries'the bridge means. A Y

A further object is to provide limproved bear,- ingmeans for .the operating means of the switch.

A still further object is to provide an electric switch consisting of very few parts which are -economical to manufacture and-assemble on :aproduction basis,

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent after considering Athe `description hereinafter set forth in con-junction with the drawing annexed hereto.

Referring to the drawing.:

Figure 1 is a top View on an enlarged scale illustrating the switch embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is a vertical section taken substantially on line 2-2 ofFigure 1, showing certain details of construction;

Figure `3 is a sectiontaken substantially on :line 3-.3 of Figure 2, depicting certain detailso'construction with respect to the bridge means land carrier supporting same; and

Figure 4 is a partial View in elevation of Fig'- ure f2 showing the .bridge means in ,position to close `an electric circuit.

Referring tothe drawing.; the .electric switch, among other things, includes, a switch casing designated I, contact carrier means 2, bridge means 3 supported-on a carrier 4., and fan operating member?, for 'moving the bridge means with respect to contact mea-ns associated with the contact carrier .2 'for .opening and closing an' electric circuit..

The lswitch casing I is preferably made in the form vof a `ocx inclu-ding, a 'bottom lwall vI5, 'side Walls 1, and end walls 8 fa'nd 9. A generally rectangular contact :plate 1I!! is supported -hy -and closes off the' upper open extremity of the caeing I. One extremity of the contactplate is .preferably provided with a vof spaced .apart depending lateral portions 4II which engage the end wall 8 lof the casing., land the opposite extremity of the contact :plate is-similarly provided with a pair. of depending lateral portions I2 which engage the-end wall l of the easing, as clearly shown in Figure Y2. .The contact carri-er 2 of 'insulating materialfis superimposed uponthe plate, and the plate and'carrier `are firmly anchored in place ybynrneans of xa plurality of finger portions I3 and Hl. VThe finger vI3`is a-continuation ofthe end wall vi8 of the casing and projects upwardly between the lateral portions II of the contact plate and-through a notchl provided therefor inthe carrier 2, and is Yclinched over upon thev carrier. The lateralfportions `I2 of the contact plate I8 which engage the end wall 9 vof the switch are preferably provided with projections I'E which extend :outwardly with reference tothe planes formed by the sid-e walls l., as clearly illustrated in Figures 1 and 3. These projections I6 including the lateral portions II and I2 serve to hold the upturned end walls 8 and 9 of the casing `in a .predetermined position so that any `strain placed thereupon due, to the operation `of the .switch will not any way lP'stort;orctherwise destroy .the originalshape oftheswitoh cas-`` ing. A notch Il 'is preferably provided'ineaoh marginal edge of the Vplate Il! adjacent each of the lateral .portions I2, and the carrier 2 with af complementary notch I8-, The pair of finger portions I4, are continuations of the side walls vl of the switch casing, and project upwardly through the notches I'I and HI8, and are clinched over toward each other lfor securing the plate and carrier to the switch casing. Thus, it will Iloe apparent that the contact plate I0 is rboth mechanically and 'electrically connected-to the switch casing. In fact, since the plate provides a cover for the switch casing, -it may lbe considered apart thereof. Itshould also 'be evident that Vthe cone" tact plate serves toreenforceffthe vswitch casing.

per end is overset upon the base 2l, as indicated at 24 for permanently securing the post-to the.

v in Figure 3.

-- lower marginal edge of the enlarged portion 39 of carrier. The contact plate l0, above referredvto,A

is preferably provided withsa relatively largeurcular aperture 25, and within this aperturev 25 is disposed the contact head 23 of the rivet 22. The

diameter of the aperture 25 -is *prefer-,ably-some-` what greater `than the diameterof thefc'ontact`v head 23 of the rivet so that'the -conact head can not engage the contact plate. In other words, the Y rivet is insulated from the plate. The thickness of the contact head 23 is preferably substantially thev same thickness as the plate l0 so'that' the contact surface of the head will be disposed substantially flush with the lower surface of the plate. In order to positively prevent rotation of the terminal. post ItV with respect to the-carrier 2, the base portion 2l of the post is preferably provided with an integral lug portion 26 which projects downwardly into an aperture 2l provided therefor in the carrier, as clearly shown in Figures v1 and 2.1

- The manner in which the operating means Vor member 5 of the vswitch is mounted including the mounting means for the switch proper will nowbe considered. A circular aperture 28 is pro'- vided in the end wall 8 of theswitch casing, and provides a bearing for one extremity of the operating member 5. A circular aperture 29 is pro-r vided in the end wall 9 ,of the switch casing directly opposite from the aperture 28. AA tubular element 30 is preferably permanently secured to the end wall 9 of the casing. This element. among other things, is provided with an annular enlargement 3| which bears 3' against the outer surface of the end wall 9, and projecting from this enlargement is a tubular portion 32 which lits in the aperture 29 and is flanged over and upon the vinner surface of the end wall 9 to provide an abutment as indicated at 33. The hole 34 within the element 39 provides a bearing for the extremity 35 of the operating member, as clearly shown in Figure 2.

The tubular element not only serves as a bear* ing for the operating member, but also provides means for supporting the switch with respect to a support. This is preferably accomplished by providing the tubular element with threads 36 'so that the element may be screwed into a tapped hole in the frame of the vehicle, or, if found desirable, the tubular element may be inserted through a hole provided therefor in a relatively thin support, in which eventV a nut may be connected to the element for clamping the switch to the support. Moreover, the element may be provided with flat portions, such as 31, so that the element may be disposed into an oblong hole ina support to prevent rotation of the switch about its longitudinal axis. Thus, it will be clearlyv evident thatthe opposite extremities of the operating member 5 project through and outwardly with respect to the end Walls 8 and 9 of the switch casing, and that the extremity 35 is adapted for reciprocation within the tubular 4 bearing 39. It will also be noted that the operating member 5 is provided with a reduced portion or neck 38 intermediate its extremities.

The carrier 4 of insulating material which supports the bridge means 3 will now be described. The carrier 4 is preferably made from sheet stock, for example, paper or fibre Bakelite, and is constructed to include a lower enlarged generally rectangular portion 39, and an upper generally rectangulariportion i9 of a size somewhat smaller than the enlarged portion, as clearly illustrated Although it is not essential, the

the carrier is preferably provided with a recess 4| `to form a `pair of legs 42 which are adapted `to rslidably engage the bottom wall 6 of the switch'casin'gV when the switch is operated. A

:vertical entrance slot 43 extends inwardly from ,-the recess 4 I and terminates in a rounded seat 44..;Theslot 43 is of a width to permit entry of the reduced portion 38 of the operating member to" the seat 44 when the carrier is dropped into place. It should be noted that the thickness Vof thecarrier. 14' isslightly less than the length ofwth'e reduced portionr38 so that the nat planar surfaces of the' carrier more or less engage the abutments provided adjacent the' extremities of the reduced portion 38 whereby to normally maintain the carrier ina substantially vertical position, or transverse with respect Vto the longitudinal axis of the operatingmember. y This arrangement of the bridge carrier is considered unique as it is held in a position whereby but one end Vor marginal edge thereof is adapted to slidably engage a portionof 'the switch casing. In other words, the legs 42 of the enlarged portion 39 of the carrier are the only portions thereof whichv engage the 'switch casing. This is desirable, as less friction is encountered. The bridge' means` 3 which is yieldably supported onthe carrier 4 will now be described. The bridge means 3 is preferably generally box shape in formand among other things, includes a rectangular t'op portici/1mi,v a pair of side Walls 46, and a pair of endwalls 4l Vwhich partially enclose and slidably engage the upper` portion 49 of the carrier.A The top portion 4 5 is preferably provided with-a-pair of -upstanding rounded contactportions 48, and each ofthe side walls is provided with a 4generally semi-circular aperture 49, which provide clearance so that the bridge 3 will noti engage the abutment 33 of the tubular element or'lthe helical 4spring 5B carried bythe operating member 5 to interfere with the-movement ofthe bridge. The side and end walls of the bridge'and'the' uppery portionof the carrier are so constructed andarranged that the bridge will not tilt or wobblewhenmov'ed with respect to the contact means mounted jon the'carrier or switch back 2. Y y,

Besilient meansfpreferablyjin theform ofa leaf spring 5l `is disposed intermediate the top wall 45 of the'bridge means andthe upperr marginal edge 52 of the bridge carrier. This spring includes a more or less-centralflat portion 53 which bears agalist'thetop Wall 45 of the bridge means', and a pair of yieldable leg portions 54 which bear against the edge 52 of the carrier. The helical fspring '50,'- -above referred to, surrounds the operating member 5 in a manner whereby one extremity of thespring bears against theend Wall-'8 of the switch-casing 'and its oppositeV extremity againstthe bridge carrier 45 and the 'carrier against the abutment 33 so as to hold the contact 'portions 48 of the bridge means in anchoas engagement wththecontaict .plate l0, whereby to normally maintainthe .switch .in anopen 4circuit position. 1

Referring again to the operating'member 5, it is evident ftha-t the extremity thereof which is supported in the end wall-V omthe switch lcasing has -a `flexible element 55 in the `storm of a metal cable preferably connected thereto in somedcsirable manner such as by swagng. Anjelement 56 :is preferably Apermanently connectedftothe cable so that the cable may beattached .to y.some mechanism v(not shown) for actuating theV .operatingmember to control theswitch. l K

lThus, when the operating member ispulled outwardlyby some mechanism through the Yintermediation of the cable 55, one of the contact portions 48 of the bridge means 3 will remain in electrical engagement with the contact plate I and the other contact portion 48 will engage the contact head 23 of the rivet 22 to close an electrical circuit. Although the switch is preferably operated as just stated, it is to be understood that if found desirable, it may be operated by a member slidably disposed in the open ended tubular element 30.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various modifications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of the invention; and, therefore, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement, and combination of parts herein shown and described.

I claim: 1. An electric switch including, an open side casing having a bottom Wall, side walls, and end walls, a contact plate electrically connected to said casing closing 01T said open side, means on said plate engaging said end walls to prevent spreading of same, an aperture provided in said plate, a carrier of insulating material superimposed upon said plate secured to said casing, a contact carried by said carrier projecting into the aperture of the plate whereby to insulate the contact from said plate, a rod extending through the end walls of the casing, a relatively thin piece of insulation carried by said rod, the lower edge of said piece engaging the bottom wall of the casing, and bridge means carried by the upper edge of the piece normally engaging said contact plate to maintain the switch in an open circuit position, and said bridge means when moved to a predetermined position being adapted to engage said contact plate and said contact means carried by said carrier to place said switch in a circuit closing position.

2. A switch casing, an opening in said casing, bridge means movably arranged in said casing, a contact plate electrically connected to said casing and closing off said opening, an aperture provided in said contact plate, and a carrier of insulating material overlying at least a portion of said contact plate and provided with an electrical contact projecting into said aperture and out of electrical engagement with said contact plate, said bridge means, said contact plate and said electrical contact being so constructed and arranged that said bridge means may be moved to a position to engage said electrical contact and said plate to close an electrical circuit between said switch casing and said electrical contact.

3. An electric switch including, an open sided switch casing provided with side walls, a carrier carrying contact means mounted on and closing 01T the open side of said casing, switching mechanism disposed in said casing provided with 6; 'liaidgeinean'sadaptedzto cooperate'avith'saidwn-x tactzmeans, and additional contact :means :insulatedfrom' "said :mentioned `contact secured between saidcaarier and at least vone 'ci the walls of said casingsaid .additional ncontact meansfbeing .adapted tozbe engaged Vlfiygsazidbridge `and providing means .for holding fat least onefof .said walls'inamrdet :friedpositicnfwith respectto another Vwall..` v i' i '4.a .switch including, ra :housing .having cpenzside, 1a 'contact plate :extending .across :said open 1side .and 4:connected to certa-ln walls lfof the casing i whereby to prevent spreading of the avals, insulating means :overlyingthe contactplataan opening in said platanontact means y'carried'-iby said .insulating meansproie'cting into said opening and out of contact with said plate, bridge means in said housing having a pair of contact portions normally engaging said plate, means for supporting the switch carried by a wall of the housing, and means extending into said supporting means and connected to said bridge means whereby the bridge means may be moved so that one of said Contact portions may be brought into engagement with the contact means while the other contact portion remains in engagement with said plate.

5. A switch including, a casing having an open side, a contact plate extending across said open side electrically connected to opposite Walls of the housing and preventing spreading of said walls, an insulator disposed on said plate, contact means carried by said insulator and insulated from said plate, means carried by one of said walls for supporting the switch with respect to a mounting, bridge means 'arranged in said casing and engaging said contact plate, means extending into the supporting means and connected to the bridge means whereby the bridge means may be moved to engage the contact means while remaining in engagement with the contact plate.

6. A switch including, a casing having an open side, a contact plate extending across said open side electrically connected to opposite walls of the housing and preventing spreading of said walls, aninsulator disposed on said plate carrying contact means insulated from said plate, bridge means in said casing, and means connected to the bridge meanswhereby the bridge means may be moved to engage the contact plate and the contact means.

7. An electric switch including, an open sided switch casing provided with side walls, a carrier carrying contact means mounted on and closing off the openrside of said casing, switching mechanism disposed in said casing provided With bridge means adapted to cooperate with said contact means, additional contact means insulated from said first mentioned contact means secured between said carrier and said casing, said additional contact means for holding at least a pair of the opposite walls of the casing together in manner whereby to prevent outward movement of same, and one of the side walls of the casing being provided with means for supporting the switch with respect to a mounting.

8. An electric switch including, an open sided switch casing provided with side walls, a carrier carrying contact means mountedon and closing off the open side of said casing, switching mechanism disposed in said casing provided with bridge means adapted to cooperate with said contact means, additional contact means insulated from said rst mentioned contact means secured between said carrierand said casing, said additional contact means being adapted to be engaged vby said bridge means and providing means for holding at least a pair of A.the opposite Walls of the casing together Vin manner whereby to prevent outwardmovement of same,` and one of thei opposite sidewalls being provided with means for supporting the-switch'with respect to a mounting.

9. An electric switch comprising a casing, a contact plate carried by said casing, a' carrier of insulation overlying said Contact plate, an opening provided in said plate, a contact carried by said carrier accessible through said opening, and bridge means engaging said contact plate and engageable with said contact.

Y Y HERSCHEL C. BOLLEY.

8 REFEnENcEs CITED 'Ihe following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS v Date 2,323,050 Johnson June r29, 1943 

